About living in sheltered housing
Supported housing is a flat or bungalow especially designed with the needs of older people in mind. Each scheme has a Supported Housing Officer who can offer certain support for their tenants.
You are encouraged to maintain your independence and are free at all times to come and go as you please. You are asked simply to let the Supported Housing Officer know if you intend to be away overnight or on holiday.
Most schemes are also able to offer guest accommodation so that you can have friends and relatives stay from time to time. There is a small charge for each night. The Supported Housing Officer can arrange this for you.
Most schemes have a communal lounge. Tenants use the room for meetings, clubs, social and recreational activities or just to meet up for a cup of tea and a chat. It is up to you and your neighbours to decide what you want to use it for. All schemes are encouraged to invite the elderly neighbours living outside supported housing to events in the communal lounge.
What the Supported Housing Officer does
Supported Housing Officers are recruited and trained to enable you to look after yourself and to lead an active independent life.
- When on duty, the Supported Housing Officer's primary task is to respond to an emergency as quickly as possible so that in the event of, for example, an illness or a fall you can quickly get help.
Each scheme is equipped with an alarm system. To find out more about your alarm system, please click below:
About your emergency alarm system
The Supported Housing Officer will hold a key to open your door but will only use it in an emergency or with your clear permission.
In an emergency situation the Supported Housing Officer will contact the emergency services and inform your family of the situation. Supported Housing Officers keep the names, addresses and telephone numbers of your next-of kin and close friends, your doctor and any relevant details of your health. This is a confidential record kept solely to make sure the Supported Housing Officer can contact the right person in the event of an emergency. This information is also held by North Herts Careline.
- The Supported Housing Officer will also contact you regularly to ensure you are all right.
- If you need home care services, such as community meals or special home aids, the Supported Housing Officer will try to help you obtain them by contacting the local Adult Care office for you
- Supported Housing Officers may also help you to arrange outings and social activities.
Further information
You can download advice for residents of Supported Housing by clicking below: